Riha Giri

🪔 About

Riha Giri is an emerging Indian classical Bharatanatyam dancer, known for her performances and dedication to the art form. She began her journey in Bharatanatyam at the age of five, initially balancing it with state-level swimming before fully committing to dance. Her arangetram, or debut performance, took place in 2012 at the Krishna Gana Sabha. Giri is a disciple of Dr. R. Vijay Madhavan and a grand disciple of the renowned Bharatanatyam exponent Chitra Visweswaran. She specializes in the Vazhuvoor Ramaiyah Pillai's style of dance, which emphasizes 'bhava' (expression) over 'nritta' (pure dance movements). Throughout her career, Riha Giri has performed at various prestigious venues, including the Chennai Cultural Academy, Brahma Gana Sabha, and Sreenivasa Cultural Trust. Her performances often explore deep philosophical and spiritual themes. For instance, her upcoming solo thematic presentation titled 'Amba,' presented in collaboration with Lila Arts Centre in June 2025, delves into the concept of the Universal Mother and the divine feminine. This performance includes a Kaali Kouthuvam, a varnam composed by M. Balamuralikrishna, and an exploration of the Sri Chakra. Riha Giri has been recognized for her talent from a young age, receiving awards such as the Yuva Shri Kala Bharathi Award when she was thirteen and the 'Best Performer' Award from Sri Parthasarathy Swami Sabha in 2018. She was also a finalist in ABHAI's (Association of Bharathanatyam Artistes of India) Kala Praveena Pratiyogita. Awards & Honours: Best Performer Award (2018), Yuva Shri Kala Bharathi Award, Kala Praveena Pratiyogita Finalist.